10 Home Gym Hacks For Using Your Gym More & Better!

[@IIG]

I swear I could watch home gym content pretty much all day. Starting my home gym is one of the best things I've ever done.

[@gaurilla]

Same for me

[@TruthFLA]

Feel the same. But the gym commercials make me miss the leg press I have no space for.

[@The_Original_Hybrid]

​@@TruthFLAYou can get leg press attachments for a power rack.

[@danielsponseller7508]

Big fan of M-Fri lifiting. That's what I do as well. Another mental tip, its not all or nothing. If you feel like shit and your workout seems daunting, just get in there and do what you can or even do something else in the gym. Something is always better than nothing. 10 minutes of cardio is better than skipping all together. And often times as long as you start your workout you will build momentum and finish the workout and wonder why you considered skipping in the first place.

[@aghoover]

I like having a few 10 minute work outs planned so that if I’m not able to do my full, programmed workout, I can do pull-ups/ dips, weighted carries, etc. Better than nothing.

[@patrickjulius7352]

what is your split or how do you approach the 5 days on?

[@ShawnKunkler-m2q]

Painters tape and a marker is the way to go for marking your settings on the rack and the floor for the bench location. I tried magnet strips based on Coops recommendation but found they move, slide and don’t sit flat on the rack. For efficiency I wrote the exercise, j-cup height and front and rear location for the monster safety straps and then stuck it on the inside of the rack at the corresponding j-cup height. It’s cheap, easy and takes ALL the guess work out of the change over process.

[@paul19519]

Totally agree with your last tip on training schedule. I now do a 4 day split "2 upper 2 lower" "hitting all the muscle groups twice a week" with a combination of cardio and hiking on my off days. I feel great after making this change.

[@100ssgoku]

Me too 3 day and 4day

[@hitleractually8180]

Conjugate as fuck!

[@Ivan.80p]

That used to be my split. I'm now doing 3 full body sessions and light to moderate cardio twice on my rest days, and 1 yoga/mobility day.

[@Lavagirlems]

I tried to do Monday through Friday but I found that on Friday I am so exhausted and I am not mentally there. I have so much more free time on Sunday so I do Sunday through Thursday. My perspective is being a single mom of two, with an incredibly stressful job.

[@celticsfaninthedesert4778]

Just curious, what’s the profession?

[@Lavagirlems]

@@celticsfaninthedesert4778 until a month ago I was a chief trial deputy district attorney.

[@celticsfaninthedesert4778]

That sounds like a stressful situation, if you ever want to vent let me know, maybe we could chat

[@anthonytaveras1365]

So I recently just “finished” building a small home gym with certain essential things. So what’s worked out for me is, I also have my wife working out with me and we push each other every day to not slack off! It’s a big help when you have a gym partner ! Another thing that has worked for us is starting our workout week on Sunday mornings rather than waiting for those “draining” mondays ! I find once you take a personal day like Sunday where you should be actually resting to start your week off, you go into the rest of the week positive ! There’s a lot of other minor things that has been keeping us motivated and pushing every day ! PS thanks for the great content ! You actually motivated me to build my home gym after seeing a couple of videos ! Thank you !

[@Markus-fw4px]

One more thing I've learned over the past 30 years of training: Always try to give your best, but accept, that there are gonna be days or even weeks, where you just can't meet your expectations. The older you get, the more true this becomes.

[@Xavier.Phoenix]

Preparation is key. I will write down next day's workout the night before to get me ready for my workout. All I have to do is show up, run my timers and go hard.

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Consistent training schedule is definitely key. I love my weekends off and yet, I still try to stay active with either walking/hiking, yoga or some sort of active recovery method. I'm always fired up for Monday's training!

[@Mysticbladegod]

My home gym is also my office, study area, and entertainment center. It's an all around great place to be.

[@JoshPeak]

Most of the tips you list here actually summarises the key take aways from the book "Atomic Habits". There are 4 key parts to a motivation cycle for behaviours. Removing friction, adding incentives etc to improve the flywheel of the habits you chose to keep

[@markhalstead2386]

I prefer weekend workouts due to 9 hour work days and 2 hours of commuting for a total of 11 hours. I have more time on weekends. I like working out Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. I also choose simple setup workouts.

[@wobrien1349]

Cold barbell, pull-up bar etc…all you need are some thin mountain biking gloves. Works perfect.

[@65dalexander]

actually heard of a study that implied your grip was stronger at 32 degrees or below, forget which podcast it was on. People need to get more comfortabale with being uncomfortable, a cold barbell won't kill you, lol!

[@ak-zw8jv]

Totally agree with setting up equipment the night before. My hack is make your kids a part of your routine so there is no excuse not to have the time to workout. I've brought my barbell or a sandbag and other equipment outside before to workout while my kids play and are on thr swingset. When they were little I put them down for naps in my gym while I workout or put them in a jumparoo. My kids love it and ask to workout with me now.

[@carloscontreras4440]

One of my hacks is, when I'm working from home, I will split up my workout. Do a few exercises every couple of hours. This greatly lessens fatigue and leaves a lot of energy for the latter exercises.

[@aghoover]

I often do this, morning primary exercise, afternoon accessories.

[@bobsimpson9228]

You won't reach hypertrophy doing that. I work 12+ hrs days from home and still find 1 hr a day to workout. I'm sure others can too.

[@christianramirez8831]

@@bobsimpson9228 why wouldn't you get hypertrophy if the volume and intensity are the same?

[@bobsimpson9228]

@@christianramirez8831 Because you're taking massive breaks in between exercises. Let's say you do a chest tricep exercise and reach hypertrophy.. then you take a break, then you come back in an hour and do a tricep exercise.. You missed out on hypertrophy gains because you took a fat break in between when instead they should've been separated by only like a 1:30 break.

[@Tony-pb2gi]

@@bobsimpson9228 assuming the same muscle group. If its different muscle splits entirely, then the only difference is having to warm up twice, or take preworkout twice.

[@tkmonson]

Best gym hack I have is the double-barbell full-body setup. I do two compound barbell movements per day, one upper-body, one lower-body (plus accessories). I load up two barbells at the same time and superset, adjusting weight after each set if necessary. So while I'm doing the upper exercise, my lower body is resting and vice-versa. Very efficient way of packing a lot of heavy sets into a short amount of time.

[@psykalag]

Would love to see a video on cable attachments. Specifically comparing D handles (trying to find better ones than the stock ares ones). Also maybe mag vs knock off mag

[@markhalstead2386]

The Rogue D handles are great! That is what I use with my Ares.

[@mccartyzoe]

Yes!!

[@jonnewbury3482]

Setting up for the next days workout as soon as I’m finished was a big help. I did it initially just to save time but also preps my mentally for that next workout. My barn is insulated but not heated. Set a small electric heater in front of my bars on cold nights. It’s on a timer so minimal fire hazard. Takes the bite out of the cold bar.

[@Rodzilagunz]

All these prep steps help cement good habits, and of course gains

[@whiteknucklestormchasing]

I've always trained in my home garage gym. I have a Rogue squat rack, swiss bar, trap bar, sled, dumbells and rings. I recently bought a Total Gym Fit, which has made building muscle and training fun again. I can train everyday now with my joints feeling beat up. I've seen incredible results building muscle since training on a Total Gym. I can add weight and bands to make the resistance more than I can handle. I'm 40 and regret not sticking with a TG years ago. Its the perfect home gym. Best part is I can take it outside in the sun for a workout if I want.

[@zachhorn3191]

Coop if you want to mark your J-Cups, chalk works well on the black racks and can be wiped clean.

[@TruthFLA]

1. Have a 30 day work out plan. Don't wing it 2. Wall Controll so you dont waste time looking for things. 3. Keep all your workout clothes together. Much easier than laying them the day before. Lastly, that rep ab3000 bench is a beast. Just got it. Don't mind the gal at all. Thanks Coop.

[@xoxtank]

Wow that treadmill is awesome, Im going to save up for that.

[@EdwardsNH]

I'm a nurse, so no working from home, but I definitely get my steps in!

[@LosFerrer]

Thanks coop for the video. More ideas please focused on time to train when you have 4 children around… it is getting harder when my little one arrived and still trying to refocus on consistent training.

[@rebuiltbyusn]

Coop I’m an elderly man who hasn’t worked out for 40 plus years. Also, I’ve had multiple surgeries and replaced joints. Lastly I have been told my back is shot and there is nothing that can be done to aid in back pain. Now I have been sedentary for pretty much the last 8 years trying to fuse my left ankle. I have purchased a home gym to start working on reconditioning and promoting a healthier lifestyle and get back in shape as much as I can. I am interested in finding a cost effective why to get training help. Any direction with duration, time per week and a simple but good number of exercises per body part would benefit me immensely. Please make a video for us late comers and equipment to use when getting back into training. Thank you.

[@superkristy4963]

I used chalk to mark the holes in my uprights, amazing! When creating my program I think about what equipment I'm using, and how long it takes to set up. It takes longer to set up a barbell, rack and plates than it does to pick up a pair of dumbells, kb or bodyweight so I keep a good mix in. Also, not too many single arm, single leg movements, they take extra time. I also write my program for tomorrow on my whiteboard at the end of today's workout. Including the warm up and conditioning. This has been a game changer for me, makes it so much easier to just go downstairs and start moving.

[@65dalexander]

100% agreed, i set up my workout similar, single joint exercises (example-1 arm db concentration curl) total waste of time and inefficient.

[@EqSlay]

Most of the suck in a midwest garage gym in winter is the cold air. I flip on my dyna-glo and point it roughly in the direction of my barbell from say 3 yards away and let it sit 5-10 minutes. Then I have to turn it off because otherwise it would get too hot in the garage.

[@andrewwall8600]

Big Hack for me is TV by treadmill in garage. Don’t feel I’m missing the game or anything while I’m getting my steps in.

[@YourFavoriteLibertarian]

Hey, I workout 5 days a week and take the weekends off, too! I do my workouts on my lunch break, and I find it's a good mental break from work as well. Keeps me sane, lol.

[@jackdetweiler3442]

This video is great. Need tips for training with a busy life

[@GarageGymReviews]

Got a lot of those! I remember thinking in college that no way would life ever get busier. Boy, was I wrong! But, I ask not for a lighter load, but a stronger back. - Coop

[@JJ-to6qu]

My wife got me a Thermabell warmer and it was a game changer in the winter. After I finish working out, I pop it on and set the timer so it's ready for the next workout.

[@Phillyphnatic]

Great vid as usual 👍. Have you made a vid in the past about post workout recovery equipment? Kind of like which ones are gimmicks and which are worthwhile?

[@GarageGymReviews]

I haven't, great idea though. I'll work on a list of stuff I use. - Coop

[@Phillyphnatic]

@@GarageGymReviews sweet! Sounds good, thanks!

[@ulrikvonliektenstein9907]

Your HVAC technician is DEAD wrong. All air conditioners and heat pumps reach peak efficiency very quickly. You should NOT keep them running longer than you need for fake efficiency gains. I wrote HVAC efficiency test procedures for the department of energy for many years - trust me. What your tech was likely trying to say was that heat pump compressor cycling is inefficient, but that’s a different thing all together.

[@f242lsx]

I am not an expert but have spent significant time tracking my heating/air conditioning…. I live in the North, Hot in summer, cold in winter (below zero F on a regular basis)…. Seems to me that Coop is not talking efficiency of the hvac equipment but of the fact that if you turn the heat completely off when you are not using it, you have to run it harder and longer to get the temp back up. So, prob a little better to just keep it running (especially in the winter months)? Maybe turn the heat down some? Certainly easier to do with Wi-Fi thermostat…. Hey Coop, love your content!

[@myanime101]

I think that was a sales tactic to undersize systems for home builders to save money because I know thats completely bs the only time something like that may apply might be very humid climates? if the ac doesn't run for very long it won't pull alot of moisture out og the air idk sounds dubious

[@cody9133]

I agree with @f242lsx He said more efficient from an electricity standpoint.

[@outtrigger]

youre wrong

[@ulrikvonliektenstein9907]

@@outtrigger explain then…

[@barkpeterbark]

On the 'integrate fitness into your work life' point -- I've actually brought some light weights to the office to do some accessory stuff (as a jiujitsu player, it's usually forearms, but I could do more). Minimal space but a good payoff.

[@DV-ty6yc]

Looks like the best thing in your gym is your fabulous mustache!

[@KozysGhost]

Mon-Tues….I train. Weds I have a 30 minute studio stretch session….Thurs-Friday I train. 52yr yrs old and the stretch session is needed I feel like its a solid part of the bigger picture. If you can’t get to a studio or want to save some money, check out some stretch apps or consider yoga if you have the time. Linear strength should not be underestimated as you age. Helps me get below parallel every time!

[@sscswimmer1]

I normally just hold the bar for as long as i can then put my hands down my pants to warm them 2 or 3 times through while i warm up. Really gets the juices flowing.

[@EdwardsNH]

Good tips, but I LOVE a cold barbell. I'm a freaking furnace when I work out. And yes, I'm talking well below 30F

[@randerodr7389]

I used to workout in my carport. Rain snow or shine. Never missed a workout bc of weather. Only had a narrow bench from Sears with a lat pulldown at the end. Nailed a pipe to the rafters for pullups. Had hundreds of pounds of standard weights. My best was 31 pullups and benched 375 at 205 lbs. It's not the equipment but how you use it. 30 years later I am glad I graduated to my inside weight room.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def count me in the group as having gym only shoes that never see the outside world 😅

[@gandaluz1957]

One thing that motivates me to use my gym, consistently 4 days a week, is that I have about 60 or 70 programs, specifically designed with the equipment I have. To me this was the bigger mental challenge to get going a workout. Now I just flip to the next page and that's what I'm going to do... no hesitation at all. BTW, the equipment I have is very basic and still able to create all those different workouts.

[@joecowan3719]

Love these types of tips and tricks video, thanks Coop!

[@markreynolds2351]

I just started back in the gym, again, after a few years of not lifting. I really like the Mon-Fri workout idea. I’m going to try it, burnout has been a problem in the past. Thanks!

[@patrickkerins2009]

I love you coop

[@monaboulsishorts]

That heating unit tip is gold! Thank you!

[@hitleractually8180]

*The best split has already been cemented as the correct way.....Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat split. Off Tues, Thurs, Sunday. Two upper body days, two lower body days. This is the way!*

[@daveborders7312]

Coop (or GGR team) - what standing desk do you use for your TrueForm? I’d live the same. Thanks for all the content!

[@GluttonforPunishment]

I never even thought about cold barbells. I love Phoenix.

[@reauchannrichardson147]

I do monday -friday as well. It is so much easier to be consistent. I use saturday and sunday to rest and develop my upcoming program for the week. I workout in the morning in my basement and i am excited sunday too

[@ultima00005]

I have a weird work schedule so workout Tuesday through Saturday with light exercise on Sunday. I keep my lifting shoes in my home gym. My gym is in my basement and is technically an office. I removed the door and made my pull up bar a permanent fixture along with my gymnastic rings.

[@johnmoralez1426]

That sharpie hack is one i used years ago

[@Davis.smith.weightlifting]

A pretty popular training schedule in weightlifting is heavier training MWF then a light day Tuesday and Saturday. You get a day off Thursday and Sunday, which means you’re not gassed Friday for the heaviest day of the week. Tuesday helps you move around and recover for Wednesday and Saturday helps you recover from Friday so that Sunday your body can just rest rather than try to get the lymphatic system moving.

[@alfaalex101]

You can use farmer walk straps/handles OR rings with straps fed through Olympic plates if you don’t have dumbbells. You can also get killer workouts done with little more than a rucksack full of chains and plates or dumbbells when doing calisthenics. Combine that with a cheap manual treadmill and you can get a crazy efficient cardio workout by rucking burning way more calories in less time than just jogging or running on a treadmill.

[@TonyNovation]

The 3/7 Method is the greatest time saving thing out there, bar none.

[@greentea_3885]

I like your energy Coop

[@youngballer2g]

Good tips, setup time does discourage me sometimes. The multiple J cups on my rack is a good idea. I have multiple sets and never though of that! 👍🏽

[@dre6289]

I used to play soccer every single day for like hours a day. I would get off work and go straight out to the field and play 6v6 for hours. But even though I was having fun and I wanted to do it my body just couldn’t do it, it would become painful to just kick the ball after a while. It probably was actually holding me back in my performance. Recovery is key.

[@danielporter5476]

Coop is the man who works out all the time and gets very little results just like the majority of us 👊

[@NigelBunt]

I use a label machine with white letters on black which looks good to put tabs on the inside of the rack looks smart

[@raymondjurado9203]

The heat gun from DeWalt or Warrior works well here in the Chicago area for applying some heat to a barbell during a warmup in the winter. Do you still play some hockey every once in a while?

[@merritt001]

18:04 Very helpful video @Garagegymreviews. Thank you. You mentioned workout programming in the video. What apps or websites do you recommend for workout programming? Thank you.

[@GraysonJames-jf2bf]

I used so many hot hands in my garage gym this winter to survive my barbell

[@jahnelss]

Minisplit is definitely the way to go

[@lennythedog6544]

Coop missed physics class on the day of Newtons LAW!!! of heating and cooling..... big love

[@100ssgoku]

Pick out outfit a day before then you good to go in the morning!

[@damd2466]

This is the content i love to see here

[@michelevinaccia20]

greetings from italy coop

[@GarageGymReviews]

Greetings Michele! - Coop

[@Balonishell]

Most powerful mustache in the fitness game

[@brianhopkins5251]

Who doesn't get excited for Mondays? Mondays is universal bench press day and everyone loves bench press.

[@michaelflavin1731]

I'm curious how foam noodles, more specifically the copper pipe foam, would work to keep barbells warmer.

[@colemanhuckins1181]

Solid tips coop. Would love to see a review on the mikolo r4 power rack with lat pulldown. Really just want to know if it's worth buying.

[@JJ-to6qu]

The wife and I share a squat rack, so we mark jcup and spotter arm heights with different colored tape. Green is mine, blue is hers.

[@masonthomassax]

Hey Coop, what kind of watch are you waring here? Looks nice!

[@borgarknappur1997]

HI COOP CAN YOU REAVIEW THE CAR JACK DEAD.LIFT ATTACHMENT from FORTISEQUIPMENT ?

[@HOLLYWOODUNAPOLOGETIC]

Hey Coop! Great suggestions, as always. I’m currently home sick and have a very small place. I have dumbbells and sandbags here and train overnight at my gym. Due to injuries and mobility limitations, I set up my computer rack high so I can peddle everyday while using my computers. (I’m peddling as I type). This allows me to keep my heart rate up and my legs moving, especially since just being able to walk is quite a painful affair, and doing the everyday helps my legs not lock up. I repurposed my “go-bag” as my gym bag and keep everything either in it, or attached to it, including my poles I need to not fall down. (Funny you mentioned your friend’s Adidas shoes. I wear them too, not in jeans… LOL!)

[@tbeehler]

Shirtless Coop is all I needed in my life to make it complete. lol.

[@CoachMeMLD]

Coop what brand and model of pants are you wearing in this video. Great fit by the way!!!

[@adamb2619]

Major Hack Missed: Fluffy gym buddy

[@steverapos3904]

Keep the place neat, plan your workouts in advance, record the workouts on a spreadsheet, keep water close by, use a stop watch counter for rest periods, pair up exercises that use different muscles (i.e. quads and then hamstrings, etc.) to minimize rest periods, and don't look at your phone between sets (to avoid distractions). Working out in the morning is great too in order to avoid procrastination if possible.

[@jockez3581]

Nils is a Swedish national treasure! Just like those dumbbells... 🤤

[@Markem5632]

First the Omega and now looks like a Unimatic? Love the wrist game Coop. Maybe some watch reviews are in your future? I’d be a subscriber. Keep up the good vids

[@prescottosegie]

Good gym hacks coop let go!!!😎💪🏾

[@jordanbergman1387]

Another gym hack - having a sweet gym buddy like Coop's dog to keep you motivated

[@ryana6978]

I have a home gym....love training in my own zone. I lift 4-5 days/week.

[@QuintonTetik]

Killer thumbnail with the text on the hands!

[@davidwhumke3406]

Mechanix work gloves are awesome for cold weather barbell lifting

[@ronhoover5516]

Second this. It's worked great for me as well.

[@807paperclip]

Hey Coop, could you do a review on CoolMitt? The line marking on the rack is a time saver. That is one thing that helps a lot. I do abs in my rest between sets. Little longer breaks to squeeze them in, but well worth it.

[@stevenparisi]

love it. best ggr in a while

[@2041096]

What is the wooden slat looking thing used for?

[@josephbloxham3992]

I trained outdoors in Utah all through the pandemic. The barbell would get so cold that it was impossible to grip. My hands would stop working. Bringing the bars in was the only way I could make it work.

[@666dram]

I watch Anime and movies on my TV, I've mounted in my garage gym and watch it while I use my elliptical Sole e95, Rogue Echo bike and Bowflex tread mill. Treadmill for long walks so I watch movies. I use a fire TV stick, if you wanted to know.

[@apbrug]

What is that Dumbell storage rack behind you?

[@frankingrao5778]

Hey coop. I want to get rid of my Olympic bench press in place of a versatile rack so I can do inclines, declines, squats etc however my wife is a huge fan of leg press and will not work out at the home gym on leg day. Could you recommend some solutions for the leg press and rack. I did hear you can youse a rack and rep utility bench with iso arms for Leg press. Asking for solutions for a home gym leg press

[@backagain5216]

Good review as usual. Where is Sam lately?

[@amunra4256]

Hopefully off doing pull-ups so his gym doesn't get repo'd

[@strongman-frank]

I have an oven in my home gym (a hut in the garden) in winter put my kettlebells on top of it. That thing is WIFI controlled, so I fire it up 30 Minutes to 1 hour before I start working out. Depending how cold it is. Second tipp for my students, who train at home. Store your Kettlebells, in a way that they touch the radiator. Warm Kettlebells are so much nicer. Also with freaking cold Kettlebells, the grip gets instantly wet, which is a potential danger. Nice greetings from Hamburg, Germany. If you should ever come to Hamburg, let me know, than you can work out at my home gym with all kinds of freaky equipment (like Dinnie Stone Replicas, Atlas Stones etc.) Yours Frank

[@docrmk]

Mahalo, Coop! You da man

[@jacktyler5241]

What’s on the wrist coop? 🔭⌚️looks cool. Maybe a Unimatic U4.

[@tylergorham7301]

You can also mark your j-cup heights with chalk on matte/powder coated surfaces!

[@ellipsis...1986]

Simple height hack: you're not wearing lifts, you're wearing lifting shoes. Your friend was a smart guy.